Cheryl A. Allen, DNP, FNP, PMNHNP

Cheryl is duel-boarded as an FNP and PMHNP. She completed her FNP program in 2017 along with completing her masters and clinical doctorate degree from MUSC. She returned to MUSC in 2023 and completed her post-master's certificate in their Psych/Mental Health NP program. She is also certified in pain management through the American Society for Pain Management Nursing. Cheryl's current clinical interests are in working with older adults that may be experiencing depression, anxiety, and/or grief due to life changes or losses. In her prior work, she worked extensively with patients experiencing chronic pain She believes that in the context of chronic pain, it is critical to develop skills such as meditation and mindfulness instead of relying medications alone. It was through her work with her patients with chronic pain that she began to understand the need for more psychiatric/mental health care in the adult population. It was this work that led her back to school in 2023. Cheryl's interests include volunteer medical mission work and animal rescue. She has organized and led thirteen mission groups to the Dominican Republic as well as serving as a team member for medical mission groups to Honduras and to the gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina. Cheryl and her husband have two rescue dogs as part of their family and through this experience she learned how important it can be to share one's life with these gentle creatures.